1
: either of two fleshy folds that surround the mouth in humans and many other vertebrates and are organs of human speech essential to certain articulations
also
: the red or pinkish margin of the human lip
2
slang
: back talk
3
4
a
: the edge of a hollow vessel or cavity
b
: a projecting edge: such as
(1)
: the beveled upper edge of the mouth of an organ flue pipe
(2)
: the sharp cutting edge on the end of a tool (such as an auger)
(3)
: a short spout (as on a pitcher)
c
5
lipped; lipping
1
: to touch with the lips
especially
: kiss
2
: utter
3
: to lap against : lick
4
: to hit (a putt) so that the ball hits the edge of the cup but fails to drop in
—usually used with out
: to hit the edge of the cup without dropping in
—used with out
the putt lipped out
Examples of lip in a Sentence
Noun
He had a cut on his lip.
She was nervously biting her lip.
the lips of a wound
the lip of a crater
the lip of a pitcher
Adjective
part of the ritual of the awards ceremony is the nominee's lip praise for the performances of his or her competitors
Verb
the waves, reflecting the red glow of the sunset, gently lipped the prow
Recent Examples on the Web
Kara Nesvig, Allure, 14 July 2025
As for the possibility of a sequel, and whether Gunn has discussed ideas for more, Mickle’s lips remain sealed.
—Marc Malkin, Variety, 12 July 2025
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 2 Mar. 2025
For lip color, reach for the Merit Beauty Signature lipsticks.
—Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Jan. 2025
Troy Finnegan, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
While at 13-over for the tournament on the par-five fourth on Friday, Lowry missed a short putt for par, lipping the right edge.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lip
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Makeup artist Priscilla Ono, who has been working with Rih for years, applied a bright pink blush to the star's cheeks, diffusing it upward, and painted her lips with a similar candy pink color with a glossy finish.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 14 July 2025
As for the possibility of a sequel, and whether Gunn has discussed ideas for more, Mickle’s lips remain sealed.
—Marc Malkin, Variety, 12 July 2025
Adjective
By After Testing Over 30 Best Sellers By Siena Gagliano
Unlike balms, which can make lip color slide around, a primer locks it in while keeping lips soft and comfortable.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 2 Mar. 2025
For lip color, reach for the Merit Beauty Signature lipsticks.
—Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
Despite a strong third shot, Lipsky's par putt lipped out and dropped him into a tie for third.
—Troy Finnegan, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
While at 13-over for the tournament on the par-five fourth on Friday, Lowry missed a short putt for par, lipping the right edge.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lip
Cite this Entry
“Lip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lip. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lip
1 of 2 noun1
: either of the two fleshy folds that surround the mouth
2
slang
: back talk sense 3
3
a
: a fleshy edge or margin
lips of a wound
b
: a part or structure of a plant or animal that resembles a lip (as the protruding part of an orchid's corolla)
4
: the edge of a hollow container especially where it is slightly spread out
lip
2 of 2 adjective
: spoken with the lips only : not sincere
lip service
Medical Definition
lip
noun1
: either of the two fleshy folds which surround the opening of the mouth in humans and many other vertebrates and in humans are organs of speech essential to certain articulations
also
: the pinkish or reddish margin of a human lip composed of nonglandular mucous membrane and usually exposed when the mouth takes on its natural set
2
: an edge of a wound
3
: either of a pair of fleshy folds surrounding an orifice
4
: an anatomical part or structure (as a labium) resembling a lip
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share